03/14/2026
A recent study published in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology investigated the effects of quercetin, a natural plant compound found in foods like apples, red onions, and berries, on thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine cancers, and treatment options for advanced cases are still limited. Using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and laboratory experiments, researchers identified DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) as an important protein that is often highly expressed in thyroid cancer and associated with poorer outcomes in patients.
The researchers discovered that quercetin can suppress the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells by reducing the expression of DPP4 and blocking its enzyme activity. Laboratory experiments confirmed that quercetin slowed cancer cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, meaning higher doses and longer exposure produced stronger effects. When scientists reduced DPP4 levels directly, they observed similar anti-cancer effects, suggesting that DPP4 may be a promising therapeutic target. These findings indicate that quercetin and related natural compounds could potentially play a role in future strategies for managing thyroid cancer, though further clinical research is needed.
PMID: 41689601